A quiet morning on the sand in Santa Monica turned into a criminal investigation Monday after a woman reported that someone tried to sexually assault her while she was sleeping on the beach.
Santa Monica police arrested a 40-year-old man, identified as Taiwan Solomon, and took him into custody that morning on suspicion of attempted rape, attempted sodomy, and assault with intent to commit rape. Officers said the woman was treated and offered support services after the incident, and an initial court date was scheduled for Tuesday.
Police say
Solomon was booked on suspicion of the three felony counts listed by investigators, according to NBC Los Angeles. The station reported that authorities have not yet released detailed information about what led up to the arrest or exactly how officers located the suspect.
Santa Monica police said additional details will be made public when they are available, as detectives continue to investigate the reported attempted sexual assault on the shoreline.
Other recent beachfront incidents
The arrest comes on the heels of several other reported attacks along Santa Monica's popular beachfront. In late February, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported that a woman alleged she was physically and sexually assaulted near the 1600 block of the beach, and officers detained a suspect nearby in that separate case.
Earlier this month, the Santa Monica Police Department went public with a request for help identifying a suspect in a sexual battery investigation, according to the Santa Monica Mirror. That appeal highlighted ongoing concern about safety along the waterfront and the department's reliance on community tips and video to move such cases forward.
Legal status
Solomon was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, attempted sodomy, and assault with intent to commit rape, and an initial court date was set for Tuesday, according to NBC Los Angeles. An arrest on suspicion is not a conviction, and any formal charges will be determined by the Los Angeles County District Attorney and resolved in court.
How to help
The Santa Monica Police Department is asking anyone with information, video, or other tips related to Monday's incident to come forward. In an earlier public request, investigators shared direct contact information for a detective on the case, according to the Santa Monica Mirror.
Police say that if you witnessed the reported attempted assault or captured anything on camera near the scene, you should contact the SMPD watch commander or the detective assigned to the investigation.
For context on recent beachfront arrests, Hoodline previously reported on a February incident along the same stretch of sand that drew a heavy response from officers and lifeguards. Our earlier coverage breaks down how responders handled that case; see our report on the February beachfront arrest for more details.
